Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Pittsburgh's Best Freshly Baked Goods & Custom Cakes
Party Cake Shop has been a cornerstone of Pittsburgh's baking tradition since 1961. Founded by Jack Dolan, a graduate of the American Institute of Baking, our bakery has maintained a commitment to quality through four generations of ownership. We specialize in handcrafted breads, pastries, and custom cakes, blending time-honored techniques with modern innovation. Our Brookline location, now operated by Michelle and Zachary Zebrowski, continues the legacy of excellence established over six decades ago. With daily fresh baking and signature items like our Burnt Almond Torte, we serve both everyday cravings and special occasion needs.Our team combines formal training from institutions like the Dunwoody Institute and EFBA Baking Academy with decades of hands-on experience. As Pittsburgh's longest-running bakery, we take pride in using premium ingredients and traditional methods to create products that honor our heritage while meeting contemporary tastes. Our 2018 storefront renovation and ongoing commitment to quality ensure we remain a trusted community staple for future generations.
Services
Breads
Cupcakes
Pastries
Custom Cakes
Paczki
Burnt Almond Torte
Cookies
Pies
Specialty Items
Details
- Year established: 1961
Highlights and features
- Over 60 years of baking excellence in Pittsburgh
- Fourth-generation family ownership maintains quality standards
- Bakers trained at prestigious baking academies
- Daily fresh baking with time-tested recipes
- Specialty items recognized as Brookline institutions
What people say
Amazing Burnt Almond Torte
Best Paczki in Pittsburgh
Historic bakery charm
Consistent quality over decades
Friendly family service
Services
Breads
Our daily bread selection combines traditional recipes with modern techniques. From hearty whole grains to delicate croissants, each loaf is baked fresh using premium ingredients. Specialties include Italian Rye, Cinnamon Raisin, and French-style breads that showcase our bakers' expertise developed over decades.
Cupcakes
Handcrafted cupcakes made from scratch daily feature both classic and innovative flavors. Our rotating selection includes Chocolate, Vanilla, Red Velvet, and specialty creations like Toasted Almond Tort. Each cupcake combines professional decoration with rich, homemade taste.
Custom Cakes
We create custom-designed cakes for weddings, birthdays, and special events. Our decorators combine artistic skill with decades of experience to produce edible masterpieces. Popular options include multi-tiered wedding cakes and themed birthday creations that match any celebration style.
Paczki
Traditional Polish doughnuts made using authentic recipes and techniques. Our Paczki feature light, airy dough filled with premium custards and preserves, then topped with signature glazes. Seasonal availability makes these a highly anticipated specialty item.
Burnt Almond Torte
Our iconic Burnt Almond Torte features yellow vanilla cake layered with cooked custard and buttercream, then coated with sugared roasted almonds. This time-honored recipe has been perfected over decades, becoming a defining product of our bakery's legacy.
People
Jack Dolan
Founder
Founded Party Cake Shop in 1961 after graduating from the American Institute of Baking. Developed the bakery's foundational recipes and techniques during his 41-year tenure as owner.
George Dolan
Former Owner
Took over operations in 2002 after working with his brother Jack since the 1960s. Expanded the business to include a second location in Mt. Lebanon before selling to family members in 2009.
Scott Smith
Former Head Baker
Baking professional with over 30 years' experience, including 24 years at Breadworks. Trained at Dunwoody Institute and EFBA Baking Academy, bringing technical expertise to Party Cake Shop before retiring in 2021.
Michelle Zebrowski
Current Owner
Pittsburgh native who returned to take ownership in 2021. Brings fresh perspective while maintaining traditional baking methods. Previously worked at the bakery during her academic studies.
Zachary Zebrowski
Current Owner
Co-owner focused on business operations and customer relations. Works with Michelle to balance tradition with modern bakery management practices while preserving the shop's historic character.
Questions
What are Party Cake Shop's current operating hours?
We're open Tuesday-Friday 6am-6pm, Saturday 6am-5pm, and Sunday 6am-1pm. Closed Monday.
Are Paczki available year-round?
Our traditional Paczki are a seasonal specialty available primarily during Lent and holiday periods.
Can I order custom cakes for special events?
Yes, we create custom cakes for weddings, birthdays, and celebrations. Please contact us at least two weeks in advance for best availability.
How long has Party Cake Shop been in business?
Since 1961 when Jack Dolan purchased the bakery. The building itself has housed bakeries since 1910.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, credit cards, and mobile payments at our Brookline location.
Do you offer catering or wholesale services?
We focus on retail baking but can accommodate large orders with advance notice for local pickup.
